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Secondary PGCE

5 replies

BlueRaptor · 01/01/2016 20:08

Just looking for some help or advice if anyone has a clue!

I've worked in Early Years for about 8 years (since I started working really!) and have loved it. Started off in a nursery as a general nursery assistant, did my level 3, then ran the baby room for a good few years. Decided to go further with my qualifications so started my degree in Early Years a couple of years ago - due to finish my degree in May. I'm currently working as a nursery nurse in a NICU, so gaining more experience with much younger babies and a whole new environment in general.

I've wanted to do my teaching for a while now but really struggling with sorting it all out. Have my UCAS up and started but apparently trying to get a PGCE in Childcare/Early Years/Health and Social Care is near on impossible! I'd love to teach any of those subjects in secondary school but just keep coming to dead ends with it. Does anyone have any experience in anything similar and can offer some advice before I go absolutely mad?

Thanks in advance!

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Donthate · 01/01/2016 20:21

You could teach childcare in a college setting. If you really want to teach primary though I would apply for that first. You sound like you have a lot of experience. Good luck.

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BlueRaptor · 01/01/2016 20:25

How would I go about teaching childcare in a college setting, would I not still need a PGCE? That sounds pretty ideal though! I'm not hugely interested in primary teaching, I've always wanted 11+ to be honest.

Thank you :)

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Wolfiefan · 01/01/2016 20:27

What experience do you have of working in a Secondary school?

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Donthate · 01/01/2016 20:27

It depends on the college. At my college you could teach straight away and do the pgce while you teach. Not for the faint hearted it's a massive jump. Or you can do a post 14 pgce. You could do it part time while you are working over 2 years or full time for one year. Contact your local colleges and ask for a careers appointment for more info.

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BlueRaptor · 01/01/2016 20:40

Wolfie - I've never worked in a secondary school, however I have three weeks annual leave in Feb where I'm hoping to volunteer at my old school. I did attend an interview (and get offered the job) as a LSA in a local secondary however money wise I just couldn't afford to have taken it at the time. The interview was a full day worth where I sat in on a variety of lessons with different age groups and absolutely loved it.

Donthate - That's so helpful, thank you so much. I wasn't aware of this at all and will definitely be calling on Monday!